Public Input Sought In Search For New Columbus Police Chief

(Columbus) City officials in Columbus have begun the process of finding a new police chief. Former Chief Daniel Meister accepted a position with the Fox Valley Metro Police Department April of this year. At a joint meeting the Columbus Common Council and the Columbus Police and Fire Commission, Dale Burke of the Riseling Group – a management consulting firm – collected feedback on the qualities they are seeking in a new police chief. In the interim, Lieutenant Dennis Weiner has taken on the role of acting chief. The Columbus Police Department currently has ten active officers on staff, but Mayor Thom says the city has had issues maintaining a full staff over the past few years. The next step in the process is a revision of the police chief job description, and a search for qualified candidates, before a review by the Police and Fire Commission. The process is expected to take at least two months. Officials are hosting a meeting tonight for the public to provide input on the process. It will be held from 6pm to 8pm at the Columbus Area Senior Center.